Manson follower seeking parole for 27th time

LOS ANGELES -- A former Charles Manson follower imprisoned for 40 years is hoping that his 27th parole hearing will provide his key to freedom.

Bruce Davis, convicted with Manson and another man in two murders unrelated to the infamous Sharon Tate murders in 1969, is set for an appearance before a parole board panel Thursday at the California Men's Colony at San Luis Obispo. It's the eve of his 70th birthday.

A parole board determined in 2010 that Davis was ready for release, but then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger reversed the decision citing the heinous nature of the crimes.

Davis became a born-again Christian in prison and ministered to other inmates, married a woman he met through the prison ministry, and has a grown daughter. The couple recently divorced.